Nigerian authorities have seized over 2 metric tons of pangolin scales in a significant operation aimed at combating the country’s transnational wildlife trade. The December 5 bust, carried out by the Kano-Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), resulted in the arrest of one suspect believed to be a broker for wildlife trafficking networks.
The operation, based on intelligence from the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), uncovered the scales in two warehouses in Mubi, Adamawa State. The seized scales, weighing 2,179 kilograms, are estimated to have come from around 1,100 pangolins, a critically endangered species often targeted for their scales, which are highly valued in Asian markets.
“This seizure is a significant blow to traffickers, with an estimated value of tens of thousands of dollars on the black market,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, executive director of the WJC. She noted that the shipment was likely linked to Lagos-based trafficking networks and destined for Asian markets.
The collaboration between the WJC and NCS, which began in 2021, has made strides in disrupting wildlife trafficking networks in Nigeria, a key transit hub for pangolin scales and ivory. Their joint efforts have led to 16 operations, 35 arrests, 12 convictions, and the seizure of approximately 21.5 metric tons of pangolin scales, over half of which were confiscated in 2024.
The December operation marks the third seizure involving pangolin scales this year, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to cracking down on wildlife trafficking. It also highlights the growing effectiveness of partnerships between international organizations and local authorities.
Wildlife conservationists have welcomed the news. Mark Ofua, from the NGO WildAfrica, praised the operation, saying, “It shows the government is actively addressing wildlife trafficking rather than merely paying lip service. This gives hope that Nigeria can better protect its wildlife.”
The crackdown comes amid a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s enforcement of anti-trafficking laws. A 2022 investigation revealed that wildlife traffickers often evaded justice through settlements or bribes, but recent convictions, including the jailing of three Vietnamese traffickers in 2023, signal progress.
This latest operation sends a strong message that Nigeria is determined to combat wildlife trafficking, protect endangered species, and disrupt organized criminal networks exploiting the country as a transit hub.
